Best Man's Speech

When Bryan asked me to be his Best man, I was surprised but I didn't think twice about saying yes. I've known him since college and I am very close with the couple before they became a couple and up to now so I actually felt honored and was really looking forward to the event. I even bought my own barong (I usually just borrow my friend's barong whenever I attend any weddings). So so when the big day came, I drove to the hotel very early to perform my "Best man duties" (reads pretend to dress the groom for the photos). Afterwards we went to the church for the ceremony where I found out my real role in the entourage - Bible Bearer. :-) So the mass went smoothly but when I was already leaving the car park a speeding delivery van from a curb side swipe me as I was leaving the car park. So we all know how long it takes to log a traffic report in our very efficient government system.

Needless to say I missed the reception - and the historic first dance - and the notorious kisses of the "couple" who caught the bouquet and garter. I wasn't even able to deliver my impromptu Best man's speech that I was already trying to articulate during the mass (as always I don't do my assignment till the eleventh hour). Luckily our tech-savy Newly-weds let me share to them my Best man speech and gave me a go to share it to the blogosphere. To the couple, sorry for missing the reception, to Jules (MOH), thanks for giving a speech in my place. This may not be as good as Jules' toast to forever speech during the reception, but here's what you were supposed to hear from me:

Bryan and Karen. The Batangeno and the Sosyal (man from Batangas Province and the Rich/Classy girl). The Green Archer and the Cardinal. Edu Manzano and Sarah Geronimo. Odd pair right? When they started dating nobody in the team had any clue that something was happening. Nobody saw it coming, not even me, and I was seated across Bryan where I can see everything he's doing. We only found out one day when they went home early and together.

I've known Bryan since college and I've always knew he was the serious type. He's not the kind of guy who ogles at every girl he sees. I've never even heard him compliment any girl. The traditional Filipino - a man of few words and maginoo (gentleman). A very private person. I think a testament on how well he was raised by his parents.

And then Karen. Well, we all know Karen. Joke. Karen on the other hand is very friendly and a people-person. We didn't see any flowers or any indication that there was something going on. No extra-attention or sweetness when we're going out for lunches or during office hours. SO we were all surprised when they came out and let the whole team in on their secret. So we were wondering where's the "sweet" in the Sweet and Silent SQL Administrator.

But as the days go by especially when we were already in Singapore I learned something new about love and relationship from them and gained a little insight about how Bryan captured Karen's heart. I'm not sure if its one "busy" day at work or one boring day at home, I asked Karen why he chose Bry over everyone else and why she loves Bry, she said it’s because he's honest and consistent, and more importantly he takes care of her. I've always believed that Love needs the grand gesture, those overly romantic overtures of shoot the moon put out the sun kinds of stuff. But seeing Bryan and Karen and seeing how much they loved each other and how their relationship works, it made me realized a new aspect of love. Bryan may not be the kind of guy who will shower you with flowers on Valentine’s Day, promise you the moon or drowned you in sweet words, but Karen can be sure that when Bryan tells her "I love You" that he means it with all his heart and for every day of his life. Sometimes the most beautiful star in the sky is not the one that shines the brightest, but the one that shines on you night after night after night.

To Bryan and Karen, may their love shines night after night for the rest of their lives.

The Honeymoon Part 2

by: Bryan

Last November, niregaluhan kame ng kaibigan namin na si Sherly ng advance wedding gift, two-day-one-night hotel accommodation sa Days Hotel sa Tagaytay. Sinabi namin na December 28 yun date para saktong hotel hopping kame after the wedding. Unfortunately, fully booked na ang hotel for that day. So she gave us a choice for Kuala Lumpur. We choose the Chinese New Year dates since it is a two-day holiday in Singapore. She got a reservation at Sunway Lagoon Resort and Spa for January 26-27. After the wedding, we plan for our trip, Second Honeymoon!!! We asked some information from our friends on how to get to KL. We had different choices from cheap and faster to cheapest but slower… lolz… either via air with Jetstar, via bus with travel agency or via train with Malaysian KTM.

I booked one way ticket for two with Malaysian KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) while return ticket is with Transtar Travel via their coach or bus.

Since medyo matagal daw ang traveling time via train (around 8 hours!), we choose to travel at night. We can sleep during the travel, so we chose a sleeper coach at Superior night class. The name of the train is Senandung Malam. Instead of usual seats, it has a double deck bed. Supposedly, I will be using the upper deck but since spacious yun bed, nagtabi na lang kame ni Bhy sa lower deck. The train departs at Tanjong Pagar station at 10PM of January 25.

Around 30 minutes later, we alight at Woodlands station for SG Immigration checkpoint. We already checked by Malaysian immigration at Tanjong Pagar. After the immigration, we board again the train and continue the journey. Medyo hilaw ang tulog since maalog ang train at maya’t maya, nagigising si Bhy lalo na may kakaibang tunog ang train. We arrived at KL Sentral station around 6:30AM of January 26. Isa sa napansin ko sa location, parang hindi city… at that time, konti pa lang ang sasakyan sa labas pero ang daming fly-overs at expressways.

Pagbaba naming ng tren, kumain muna kame ng breakfast sa Mcdo. Then, sumakay kame ng LRT to KLCC to go to Petronas Tower. Nabinyagan agad ako kasi nawala ko ang ticket ko sa LRT, so nagbayad ulit ako ng amount katumbas ng ticket ko which is RM1.60 from KL Sentral to KLCC. After taking some pictures sa harap ng tower, we looked and queued for the tower's skybridge visit. 9AM nun umakyat kame sa skybridge. Then nagpicturan lang for around 10 minutes tapos pinababa na kame… nag-ikot ng konti sa mall then sa KLCC park. Then, bumalik kame ng KL Sentral station para sumakay naman sa KTM Kommuter train papuntang Subang Jaya where the Sunway Resort is located.

Pagbaba naming ng Subang Jaya Station after around 25 minutes travel from KL Sentral we either to take taxi or bus to Sunway Pyramid mall. Medyo kakatawa kasi I am expecting a bus similar to city bus in SG parking at the station pero yun nakita namin, isang ordinary lang na bus, maganda pa nga yun ordinary bus sa Pilipinas e… tapos nagpuno pa… as in may pasaherong nakatayo then isa lang ang pinto… walang sinabi yun ordinary bus na punuan sa Manila. Since Medyo nag-alangan pa kame sumakay pero since first time... hala sige.. sakay!!! nakarating naman ng ayos sa mall. Kung naglakad lakad lang sana kame ng konti pa sa may Carrefour, nakita namin un bus na ineexpect ko... Anyway, at least nasubukan namin lahat ng sasakyan, except pala sa city bus ng KL.

Then after we dropped off in front of the SunWay Pyramid Mall, we looked for good resto. We checked Fridays but medyo hindi type ang pagkain at presyo, we end up sa isang Chicken Buffet, ayun… eat all you can! After the lunch, we tried checking in na sa hotel. Noon una, akala namin, dun sa Sunway Lagoon Hotel, when we reached the concierge and looked at our voucher, dun pala sa sunod na hotel which is Sunway Pyramid Hotel – Resort Suite. We allowed to check in kahit na 4PM pa dapat. Nagpahinga lang nang konti then nagpasyal na kame sa Sunway Lagoon theme park.

Maganda sa Theme park, ang theme nya: combination sya ng Splash Island, Enchanted Kingdom, with zoo (hindi Manila Zoo), extreme park at Bahay ng Lagim! Since ayaw ni Bhy ng most of the parks, sa wildlife kame napunta(zoo). Eto yun iba't ibang parks sa loob:

* Extreme park
* Amusement park
* Water park
* Wildlife park
* Scream park

In all those five parks, sa Wildlife kame napadpad ni Bhy. Because, if you check the rates, there are some packages need to choose. Since takot si Bhy sa amusement park, ayaw nya sa roller coaster, sa pirates revenge(parang anchor's away ng Enchanted Kingdom), lugi kung ako lang sasakay e bayad din sya. Takot din sya sa scream park, lalo na sa extreme. Sa water park, di naman kame nagdala ng madaming damit. So sa Single park na package kame at sa Wildlife kame napadpad. Picture picture ng mga hayop, nanood ng korny na animal show, sumakay sa safari train.

After around 2 hours nang paikot ikot sa zoo, lumabas na kame, nagpahinga sa room. Nagdinner sa Pizza Hut. Sobrang mura ng pagkain sa KL, halos same value ng SGD pero Ringgit ang currency. Yun inorder namin sa Pizza Hut, total is RM22.00 pero sa SGD, almost SG$30.00 na yun, given na ang conversion is SG$1 = RM2.30. Not bad!! Matagal na rin kaming di nagpi-pizza kasi mahal sa SG yun e.. hehehehe...

Nagtake out kami sa Subway ng pang almusal namin kinabukasan since malayo pa dadayuhin namin coming from Sunway at baka wala pang bukas na kainan during that time. After that, nagaya si Bhy na magdessert so pumunta kame sa Starbucks, nag-order ng chocolate bliss at usap-usap.

Since pagod na din kami by that time, bumalik na kame sa room to rest. Hayyy ambilis ng araw... uwian na.

The next day, gumising kame ng 7AM, kumain ng almusal sa room then around 820AM, nagcheck out na kami, kumuha na ng taxi from the hotel to the Kommuter station just in time to catch the 836 schedule. Maaga kame uuwi ng SG kasi na-rebooked yun bus namin sa Transtar. I booked for 3:30PM Premium class coach online. But when I confirmed it via phone, the seat was already taken by someone who booked over the counter but in the internet, it was still vacant. So the agent upgrade our booking to a First class coach for FREE!!! so ayun, naging 11AM yun trip namin so kelangan 1030AM nasa Pasar Rakyat terminal na kame. Goodthing at hindi kame sa Puduraya which is known for Quaipo and Cubao-like places. Since bago lang daw yun Pasar Rakyat... nasa liblib pang pook, kelangan pa namin hanapin. So niresearch ko na agad yun place, roads nearby at nearest monorail station.

Upon reaching the KL Sentral terminal, lumipat kame ng monorail station. We drop off at Bukit Bintang station. Nilakad na lang namin papuntang Pasar Rakyat. Buti na lang, medyo naalala ko pa yun mapa. Di naman kame naligaw.

Agad kameng nagcheck-in sa bus counter. Saktong 11AM, umalis ang bus. Nasa kahulihang seats kameng dalawa. Spacious ang seats, may massager pa at may own LCD TV. Mabilis din ang biyahe...Almost 5.5 hours na biyahe... Di rin kasi namalayan kasi maraming choices na entertainment like VOD (video-on-demand) movies, computer games and music. Grabeng haba ng highway... I am expecting dadaan kame ng villages or city gaya sa Pilipinas pero wala kameng dinaanan kundi kalsada lamang... nakadalawang stops kame for toilet break.

Around 4PM, nasa Tuas Checkpoint na kame, una munang bumaba kame sa Malaysian Immigration then after crossing the Tuas Causeway, bumaba ulit for SG immigration. Sa may Golden Mile Complex sa Beach Road kame bumaba. Dumeretso kame ni Bhy sa Suntec para magmeryenda. Then sa bahay na kame nagdiner. Pumasyal pa sa amin si Pio at nagluto ng fettucini.

Supplier's Ratings

by: Karen

Our wedding day was a success!!! Thanks to our suppliers who, from my point of view gave their outstanding performance.

Below is our supplier's ratings:

Grade:
5 - Malufet!!!
4 - Magaling!!!
3 - Pwede na!!!
2 - Medyo may kulang pa!!!
1 - Kung gusto mong mamroblema sa kasal mo!!!


1. Church - National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Rating - 4

The church is very strict when it comes to requirements and along with it came other rules such as no unity candles, no personal vows, etc. We didn't had the chance to talk to the church choir personally for the songs which I think led to the mismatched songs played but anyway, the strictness paid off come wedding day and everything was properly laid out. Even the "manangs" were there on the altar to usher and to assist us. A note of improvement: it would also help if the personnel in the church office would slightly tone down their "masungit" factor.

2. Reception - Dusit Thani Hotel
Rating - 4

Dusit hotel is where we had our preparations and reception. Everything was followed. Although prior to the event we had a hard time coordinating with them since they changed frequently the banquet sales manager; however they still managed to organize everything and no problems was seen during the wedding day. They even offered us free meals for the kids and unlimited drinks for the guests! We got their string quartet package, minor thing we noticed was that "medyo pumipiyok yung mga singers nila". But the good thing was that they were able to follow the song list we gave them! The waiters were very accommodating and extremely nice. Very attentive and fast to work! The cake was okay and the bridal car came in right on time.

3. On the Day Coordinator - Events By The Friday Club
Rating - 5

Despite us just getting an on the day coordinator; Liza was superbly professional to attend to our on the spot inquiries. Being an overseas bride, it was really hard to manage all the wedding details so I had to delegate some of the foot work to my mother. Thankfully, Liza was very cooperative, easy to talk to and full of ideas and advice that helped us achieve a very successful wedding. From major to minor details they were able to handle and her team was very efficient and very helpful all the way. I was so calm during my wedding day because I knew they will be able to handle everything.

4. Photographer - Redefine Weddings by Jayson Arquiza
Rating - 5

As if I could not praise this supplier enough! Two words I would remember them by Asssteeeeggg and Happing Happy! Jayson, Joanne and their team was so easy to work with. Despite the last minute changes it was such a miracle that they were available during our wedding day to think that they are the most in demand photographers for weddings! Anyway, everybody loved them from me, to my parents, to the groom, to the entourage and the guests... everyone liked their work attitude; they were so accommodating, talented and down to earth and their work?? Superb! The onsite avp was excellent; we never grew tired playing it over and over again. I'm still waiting for the final output and pictures which I bet is another great masterpiece!

5. Hair and Make-Up - Irene Manigo
Rating - 4

I so love the hair and make-up done to me by Irene and Ava. Prior to the wedding, I gave them a template of the hairstyle I wanted and they were able to follow it exactly. I cried, danced and all but the hair and makeup was very much intact. One slight problem was that the mothers didn't like that much their hairstyles; they expected a more stylish approach. My mom's hair looked like she will go on her sweet teens and not as the bride's mother :-) Anyway, the make-up done to them and my entourage was still great and long lasting. They used the most quality makeups and provided retouch just when we needed it.

6. Coutourier - Mia Barlaan
Rating - 5

I love the gown created by Mia and so did the guests! They didn't scrimp on the beading and they were very quick to make the last minute alterations. The entourage and mothers' gowns were simple but exquisite. We also had to get an additional on the day assistant, Clements for the fitting of the gowns which we weren't informed initially so we had to pay extra. It was worth it since Clements was very prompt in assisting us and had the needle and threads for last minute alterations. All in all everything was great!

7. Secondary Sponsors and Flower girls Gown - Aling Violy
Rating - 2

This is the one and only supplier that gave me major headache during the wedding preparations. There was so many mistakes and misunderstandings. First, the cloth that should be used for accent was used for the main body. Second, the designs were all wrong and not followed. Third, we specifically told her to make a template or first lining first so we would not waste any materials just in case adjustments are to be made but she didn't follow it; and instead went with finishing the gowns and as expected she had to redo most of the gowns. Fourth, she was so hard to talk to. She would say different information to different persons so in the end we all got confused as to which is which. It's a good thing she was able to finish the gowns on time and they looked okay, nothing special just enough for a person to wear and so ends my nightmare.

8. Flowers - Mang Boy Mahusay
Rating - 5

Now I can really say "Mahusay talaga si Mang Boy Mahusay!" The flowers came in just in time on the hotel and they efficiently setup our flowers in the church right after the other wedding. My bridal bouquet was great! I so love the color and it stayed fresh even until the next day! I had no problems with coordinating with this supplier. They were easy to contact and didn't forget all the last minute reminders.

9. Emcee - May Ramos
Rating - 4

Even though we were not able to meet personally with May and despite the last minute program changes she was still able to carry out the program spontaneously.She was very eloquent and nice; although I was slightly hoping she would throw in more jokes and funny expressions here and there to lighten up the mood especially since some of the guests were somewhat dismayed on the delayed lunch proper.

All in all, these suppliers did their best for my wedding day and each of them played an essential role in making it successful. I can't thank them enough for being there during my wedding day for making it such a memorable event. Kudos to you guys! Hope to still bump into you one of these days! Keep in Touch!

Ang Paglilipat - Some Post-Wedding Traditions

by: Bryan

In Batangas, the reception was always done at the Bride's residence. And the wedding always starts in the morning, normally, 8-9AM so that the reception will not pass noontime, because there is a tradition that the bride needs to go to Groom's residence by noontime to get more prosperity. The transfer of the couple from wedding reception to groom's residence is called lipatan. In this tradition, all the things used in the weddings, which is normally from groom's relatives, are packed and the reception is being cleaned thoroughly.

Though this can be done in our wedding, we decided to stay at Dusit after the wedding because of some complementary stuff provided by Dusit Hotel as included in our package. So we had our instant honeymoon at the Hotel and just went to Batangas the next day.

Initially, we planned to just commute to Batangas, because Karen wanted to go to Tagaytay for some sight seeings and to have our lunch. Dennis, one of our entourage, volunteered to drive us home on his car since he's to stay at Manila after the wedding. So he agreed to pick us up at the Hotel around 10AM of December 28. Jodel, also one of our entourage, was with Dennis. And since we got a car, we decided to take all of our the wedding dresses(Karen's gown, my Barong and all wedding stuff like arrhae, cords, veils) and let them be washed at Batangas. We left Dusit around 11:30AM

On our way home, we caught traffic at Tagaytay, and since originally we want to have lunch at Tagaytay, we just stopped over at Max's Restaurant at the restaurant junction. We had our lunch around 2:30PM due to a very long queue of traffic. After having lunch, Karen and I had some picture taking at the rooftop of Leslie's Resto. Here are some pictures:

We arrived at our house around 5:30PM.

Also, one tradition of wedding is to open the gifts. And since we asked monetary gifts from our guests, we received only two gifts, one from Ate Del and one from Jules.

We already opened and counted monetary gifts at Dusit Hotel. hehehe... In Batangas, I think, the couple needed to wait at least two days before opening the gifts. But since it is monetary... we already opened and counted them.

A second celebration was held in my hometown, in Real, Calatagan last December 31, 2008.

This is for my Mom's relatives who was not able to attend in the reception. My Grandma gave us one whole pig to be our "handa". They also prepared a mini-presidential table for us and one buffet table with all the food: Menudo, Caldereta, Puchero, Sago, Leche Flan. When we arrived, my Grandma told us to pick coins from a bilao(flat basket made of bamboo) with rice grains and flowers. This is another tradition which the coins we gathered will be our first money as a couple. Both of us must pick as many coins as we can. We' were not able to count them but we placed it inside my hanky, and placed it together with our wedding dresses and stuff.




This was supposedly a reunion with Mendez family but my uncle from Pangasinan(father of one of my flower girls who was not able to attend the wedding) still didn't make it due to his wife medical emergency.

In general, our wedding was a very successful and memorable one. And we wil treasure all the happenings until we get older and we will show all of these to our kids.

The Honeymoon

by: Bryan and Karen

After the long wedding preparation, the couple was off to their much awaited honeymoon. They took advantage of the complementary 60 minute Swedish massage provided by the hotel which was so relaxing. Then they went for the fine dining at Dusit's Italian restaurant Tosca with their specialty salads, warm chicken dish, and their margaruita pizza which they ended with an awesome sampler sweet dessert of pannacota, vanilla ice cream and tiramisu in one big plate. After some strolling around the hotel, the couple was off to the sheets and the rest is history..... ;-)

Second honeymoon to follow on Chinese New Year! Malaysia... Here we come...!!!

Wedding Day Mishaps

by: Bryan and Karen

As they say, no wedding is ultimately perfect and really it is true. As expected and warned by our priest, there would be some minor or major issues that will creep in come wedding day. So what are they?

First, the supposedly flower girl was not able to make it due to her mother's confinement in the hospital. It was a good thing that they had 2 flower girls so it was not noticeable.

Second, the church song was not followed the supposedly prelude songs became the entourage and bridal march songs. Thankfully, the songs chosen still fitted perfectly with the wedding and only the couple noticed this minor error.

Third, the Best Man's car was hit by a truck on the bumper side; thankfully he was not hurt. But the sad side of it was he wasn't able to come on the reception due to some police reports that needs to be filled. So the best man's toast transformed into the maid of honor's toast! Great impromptu speech Jules!

Fourth, since the reception started around 1:30PM guests were already very hungry; some even came from Batangas so you could imagine stomaches growling by that time. The couple assumed that even some dinner rolls and appetizers will be served prior to the couple's grand entrance but probably this was forgotten so some already complained of hunger pangs.

Fifth, the couple thought that wedding photographer crashers came only in open spaced churches and reception. But even they were not spared from this. They were surprised that during the reception, the groom's sister was waving a picture of her that costs 50 pesos! These crashers were already shooed away prior to the start of the reception but it was not noticed that even during the church they were already taking these photos! To those who bought these pictures please be reminded that it was NOT taken by Redefine Weddings nor Melvin Castrence but by some other photographers not known by the couple.

Sixth, after the wedding, the groom's grandmother was brought to Makati Medical Center due to stomach pains and was confined there for 3 days. It was a very unforeseen event and thankfully she is now okay and is just awaiting operation.

Despite this mishaps, the wedding is still a success since what is essential is that everyone had come to celebrate the couple's love and unity and that all the preparations done was all well worth it! No wedding is the same each one is unique, special and grand!

December 27, 2008 - The Big Day Part 2

by: Bryan and Karen

At the Reception

After the church pictorial, the newly wed couple made their way to Dusit Thani Hotel for more pictures specifically in the grand staircase and the lobby garden. Final retouch was done to the bride and they were ushered in by their coordinator to wait at the entrance while the flashback avp was being played. After which, the couple went for their grand entrance queued by their emcee, May Ramos.

The first part was the introduction of the couple, then the cake cutting and wine toast. Since it was already 1:30PM, the lunch proper was quickly started and to facilitate organization of the line, each table must take picture first with the newly weds at presidential table prior to lining up the buffet. After the guests, the newly wed couple took pictures with each principle sponsors and parent at their table. The couple didn't had the chance to eat much aside from the soup and appetizers as their coordinator wanted to start with the rest of the program before guests start leaving.

The couple was then seated at the ballroom facing the projector screen for the start of the prenuptial AVP which was done by Melvin Castrence. After which, was the well wishers started off by the mother of the groom, then the bride's father and representatives of Ninong and Ninangs. The bride shed some tears because of the heartfelt messages and blessings received.

The next part was to watch the Tribute to Parents AVP dedicated to the couple's parents and then the mother-son dance then father-daugther dance went right after. Soon after that, the couple had their first dance as husband and wife and we can say that was the highlight of the program as the couple did away with the traditional dance in the tune of You and Me by LifeHouse, but then remixed with The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson and finally, Low by Florida. Guests jumped to their seats and everyone was applauding and cheering on this groovy dance which ended with a sweet and long kiss. Here is the video of the first dance. The first part was not included as this was a surprise number.

Then came the presentation of the onsite AVP by Jayson, which showcased the preparation and church ceremony. It was astounding and touchy!

The removal of garter came in next and surprisingly they also did away with the traditional by sneaking in some half slips, stockings and undies before the actual garter was removed. And as if the laughter for this was not enough, the garter game came in next wherein guys will be wearing the small and big garters and whoever the two garter met will be the one to get the garter. Marked by excitement, the small garter on the second round snapped and so the person who snapped the garter became the "it" guy which was one of the groomsmen, Jayson Aytona. So who will be the lucky girl who gets to wear the garter? The trip to Jerusalem with a twist was another non-traditional game wherein the guy would seat on the chair blindfolded while single ladies dance around him and when the music stops whoever is able to sit on the guy's lap will be out of the game. The lady who won the game was no other than the Maid of Honor, Julieth Doroja. Then traditionally, the guy would put the garter on the lady's leg inch by inch as long as the bride would want.



Midway, the bride gave a request to swap the guy with another guy who had a major crush on the Maid of Honor which heightened the excitement of the game. After the titillating game came in the synchronized kissing. Which by that time everyone was all screaming with "kilig". The synchronized kissing is wherever the groom will kiss the bride (5 body parts except the lips); the guy will do the same with his partner. The groom chose the forehead, ears, cheeks, neck and hand. It was a very hot, sweet and fun game!

Before the reception came to a close, the couple bid their thank yous to their parents, sponsors, guests and suppliers. More pictorial came as one by one the photographer took pictures of all of the entourage, guests, everyone! Even the small cameras the guests brought in had their share of pictures of the newlyweds.

Finally, one by one the guests left; leftover foods packed and distributed and the couple remained there to have a chitcat with the photographers before finally saying their goodbyes and thank yous.

December 27, 2008 - The Big Day

by: Bryan and Karen

At the Hotel

Around 4:45AM, Karen texted Bryan a good morning message, telling that she already woke up. By the way, they were already checked in at Dusit Thani Hotel with their parents. Bryan's room was 1516 while Karen's was 1515.

At 6:00AM, Karen and her father went down for the buffet breakfast. Bryan had to wait awhile due to customary beliefs that the bride and groom should not see each other prior to the wedding. Their On the Day coordinator, Liza and her team arrived as well ready to organize the wedding preparation.

At 7:00AM, Mang Boy's flowers came in; all the bridesmaids are already present, Jayson Arquiza and his team has arrived as well including Irene Manigo (hair and make up artist). Melvin Castrence, our second photographer was also present. On the groom's side, his relatives from Batangas has also arrived inclusive of which are the best man and groomsmen. Everything is set, now everybody was really busy doing their job and at the same time eating McDonald's sponsored breakfast.

At 8:00AM, after taking pictures of the wedding paraphernalia; Jayson and his team went first to the groom's room to take the preparation pictures with him, his family, relatives, bestman and groomsmen. Wacky, formal, and candid that was how it all went. The air became much gleeful upon them knowing that Jayson is their kababayan. He is also from Batangas and lived near the house of one of their primary sponsors.

At 9:00AM, Jayson with his team and Melvin ushered in to the bride's room to take the preparation pictures as well. As usual, the bride had to wear a robe/any light clothing for this while her hair and make up has already been made up. Then she would wear her bridal gown and that's were a lot of the pictures were taken which are funny, candid, traditional, and enlightening with her parents, her Maid of Honor and bridesmaid.

At 10:00AM, the groom, his family and the groomsmen already started leaving for the church. While the bride and the photographers are still busy taking pictures; this time on the elevator and on the grand staircase in the lobby. After which, they followed through to the church for the wedding rites.

At the Church

At 10:30AM, the groom with his family and groomsmen has already arrived in the church. All of the guests were already there; flowers already laid out and cameras clicking prior to the start.

At 10:45AM, the march line up has been prepared and guests where ushered in on their respective seats. So by 11:00AM, the march has started. One minor thing that was noticed by the couple was that the song they listed for the march was not followed; the choir played Two Words by Lea Salonga whereas it was supposed to be the classical Cannon 'n D. The bridal march was supposed to be Moments of Love by Jennelyn Mercado but they played To Have and To Hold by Sitti and Christian Bautista. But it was hardly noticeable by the guests anyway and the songs were surprisingly still matched with the march. Slowly but surely, the bride made her way towards the aisle with her parents while camera's started clicking endlessly. Upon reaching the altar, there was a slight confusion if the groom would 'mano' or 'beso' with the bride's parents while the Manang's of the church was coaching on the side. So after mixing of hands and beso/mano here in there. They were ready to start the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony was solemn but happy. The priest, Fr. Arroco gave a very enlightening homily for the couple and some impromptu questions for them on rearing their soon to be children. Then the peak of the ceremony was next when the priest gave his blessing and the couple exchanged vows and was pronounced husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!

After the ceremony, pictorials was next from the couple, to their parents, to their entourage, their sponsors, and their relatives. While for the recessional a thunderous applause and wonderful kiss was made while poppers and petals showered everywhere. Doves were released; the other one didn't flew not sure if it had broken wings or the bride squeezed it too hard. But anyway, they were released and the guests went ahead to the reception while the couple stayed for more pictorials.

Here is the Onsite AVP created by Jayson:

The video was shown during the reception together with other AVPs prepared by Mel and of course by the couple.

Wedding AVPs

by: Bryan

Here are the audio visual presentations shown in the wedding reception:

Flashbacks AVP

We created this video to show how our life was before we met and became US. The video has two background music: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz and Grow Old with You by Adam Sandler. This was shown at the start of the reception program before our grand entrance into the Dusit Ballroom.

PreNuptial AVP

Mel created this video to show some of his pictures taken last June 9, 2008 and December 21, 2008. Pictures were taken at La Mesa EcoPark and at Seawall at Mall of Asia. Backgound music is When God Made You by Newsong and Natalie Grant. This was shown after the dining proper.



Tribute to Parent AVP

We created this video to show our gratitude to our beloved parents who provided us love and tender loving care. Background music is Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler. This was shown prior to parents dance.

10 Days Before the Wedding

by: Karen

Well, it's 10 days before the wedding and time is ticking so what is up with the couple during this time? Below are the details:

First, was to buy the undergarments, our shoes, belt (for the groom) for the wedding day; and not to mention the never ending search for the bridal prep dress which eventually fell back into the usual bathrobe but still cute!(special thanks to my cousins who sponsored my wonderful pink robe).

Then, dressed with the ordinary and no extra clothes; off we went with our friend/photographer Melvin to Mall of Asia for our 2nd prenup with him (hindi naman kami addict sa prenup diba?!). It was heart-racing and wonderful experience to have a prenup pictorial again without being too posy and just being relax and enjoying the groove of things. Pati sa gitna ng kalsada mega-pose pa din kami! Kudos to Mel for the superb shots! Take a look inside the picture galleries.

During the night, We also had to wrap the Ninong and Ninang gifts which; thanks to my Mother was beautifully and artfully wrapped and yes, due to my bad handwriting I confess I had her write the dedication for the card. tee hee!

After which, was the surprise joint shower party for me and Bryan which was rather thoughtful of my Maid Of Honor Jules, Rache and Melvin for coordinating it even in such a short period of time. Even my longtime college friends and nursery friend was present there and of course, my mom and Ninang Malou was invited. It was a night filled with laughter with Melvin as the wacky host and the peak of the party was our Q & A; which of course had dozens of mismatched answers and the consequence was to eat the mischievously iced cake. Example: What was Karen's reaction when you proposed? Karen's answer: Excited! Bryan's Answer: No reaction. Sino ba naman hindi matatawa dun diba? Hmm... maybe I need to look more obvious. Haha! We ended so late; but had so much fun I loved the cake filled with icing and shaped like ehem ehem..I love the gifts; wore all the nighties already I think... ahahah... Thanks to everyone you made us truly happy! Pictures are in our picture galleries.

Third, Off we went to the Church to finally meet our wedding priest Fr. Juanito Arroco not just because we want a more personalize homily but also we would like to get to know more the priest who will be presiding and celebrating with us this special day; Father Arroco was a kind, sincere and comic priest. He truly appreciated us coming to him prior to the wedding thus; making a point that we are really taking our marriage seriously. Two things I have learned from him that is essential in marriage: Faith and Forgiveness. Our meeting with him made us value more this marriage and realize more the things that are essential to a lasting marriage.

Fourth, I had my last fitting with Mia Barlaan; lo and behold my gown was too loose (lost a couple of pounds these past few weeks) but since there was still time alterations were made and we were able to pick up the gowns by December 24th in the afternoon; all Dry Cleaned and pressed.

Last but definitely not the least; we met with our coordinator, Liza to finalize all the necessary details for the wedding. I can't thank enough having gotten a coordinator for the wedding as they took care of the RSVPs and call time and all the nitty gritty details you don't want to stress yourself on your wedding day. We ran through the checklists and made sure everything will run smoothly.

As we speak, we are checked-in at Dusit Hotel after confession at Don Bosco Makati and hours are ticking before the wedding day. Right now, I'm still not really nervous just pure happy,energized and excited because tomorrow is our Big Day and I will be forever with the one I love. Can't Wait! God Bless us all!

Pre-Nuptial Pictorial Part 3

by: Bryan

with Mel

Last June 9, 2008, when we had our first pre-nuptials pictorial at La Mesa Eco Park, Mel assisted us to go to the location and at the same time to take some shots for his hobby. After the pictorials, he scheduled us to have his own pictorials on September at Batangas, Caleruega to be specific but did not pursue it to happen due to our hectic schedule. So he insisted to have the pictorials days before the wedding. On December 21, around 5:30PM, he fetched us at SM Makati to go to Mall of Asia to take some sunset pictures. It was an impromptu pictorials, no costumes, not theme, just do what it takes... =)

Well, as time gone by and hundreds of pictures were taken. Some of the photos created by Mel are in his Multiply site:

Karen-Bry Prenup (June 9, 2008)

Karen+Bry Prenup Part 2 (Dec. 21, 2008)

Some of the photos are in our Photo Galleries.

We also asked him to create the Pre-Nup AVP to be shown in the wedding reception. I will post it once I uploaded the AVPs.

Pre-Nuptial Pictorial Part 2

by: Bryan

with Pio, Anson and Joseph Viquint

After so many times of convincing to take photos here in Singapore, Karen and I was convinced by Pio to have our pictorials. The location: Fort Canning Park and Singapore Botanical Gardens. The photographers: Pio, Anson and Joseph. They are not yet professionals but more on hobbyist, but their concept and styles... Satisfactory! Though they had lack of sleep during the pictorial, it still had good results. Here are links of some of the processed pictures in their multiply websites:

Pio's Multiply: bluefox96
Ans' Multiply: ans09

More photos are in our Photo Galleries.

Wedding Give Aways

by: Bryan

Last February 2008, we were thinking of a good wedding giveaways for our guests. Karen and I together with my mother-in-law to be, went to Divisoria to scout for good design for the souvenirs. Most of the figurines we saw were the typical wedding souvenirs being handcrafted by vendors in every stores across the streets of Divisoria.

Then, we saw this ceramic jewelry boxes with different shapes: round, square, heart, oblong. We liked it and we decided to have this as giveaways on the spot. This souvenir matched with our motiff; Shades of pink.

We bought 75 pieces and some pink wrapper and ribbon. After few months, we decided to add another 25 pieces just in case we need more buffer. I asked my mother, aunt, uncle, and cousin to have this giveaways wrapped and here are the pictures:



Here is the sample wrapped giveaway:



Simple but elegant.

Primary Sponsor's Gift Favors

by: Karen

For our Ninongs and Ninangs

Looking for the best gift favors for the wedding is actually not that easy to find. You're torn between being budget conscious and being lavish since the wedding is within the Christmas Spirit time (so it is the season to be jolly and generous). Amazingly, we hit the right balance of the two and found some good finds here in Singapore.

For the Ninangs, it's a pashmina and a Victoria's secret lotion. A pashmina will really be useful especially since the reception I imagined to be very cold (Dusit Ballroom) and the lotion (my Mom bought from Canada), well it's an added treat.

For the Ninongs, I can say was the hardest to find. I want to do away with the usual Wines, what have you; but would like to give them something they will be able to use and gives a somehow touch of Singapore. So there we decided for a desk pen holder found in some specialty souvenir shops here. :-) We're planning to wrap them once we get back to Manila since it's not worth the risk packing them now and cramming them in your luggage hoping for dear life it won't get smashed or crushed down along with the heap of baggages.

So here are the much awaited pictures:

Bride and Entourage Gowns

by: Karen

Since I am literally free nowadays, I've decided to post some updates. First, I finally saw my wedding gown with which I have provided Mia the sample design I wanted (simple yet stunning!). Second, I saw some pictures of my entourage fittings which the gowns are still yet to be fully completed. Well, here it is picture, picture, picture!!

Bride's Gown:
The Original Design..

The actual design..

Flower Girl's Gown:

Secondary Sponsor's and Maid Of Honor's Gown:

Mother's Gown:

As per the rave and rantings, I will save it after the wedding :-P We are all expecting the gowns to be finished by 2nd week of December (yikes! Wedding is fast approaching!).